Pets can develop a number of skin problems and, according to VCA Animal Hospitals, ringworm is one of the more common skin issues pets. Ringworm is especially important because it can be zoonotic—meaning it can be spread between pets and people.

VCA reports that ringworm is a fungal infection of the superficial layers of the skin, nails and/or hair. It is called ringworm based on the "ring-like” markings it makes around the boundary of the infected areas. This name is somewhat misleading as the infection isn't caused by a worm and sometimes it doesn't even show up in a ring shape. Typically there will be patchy hair loss, sometimes scabbed areas and it is usually not an itchy skin condition. If the nails are infected, they may become pitted in appearance, brittle and prone to cracking or splitting. Ringworm is caused by a specialized group of fungus called dermatophytes, hence the medical name for the problem, dermatophytosis.

Ringworm is highly contagious and can be passed between infected and non-infected pets through direct contact or contact with contaminated objects. Fungal spores can remain dormant on grooming tools like brushes or combs or on other items such as food bowls, furniture, bedding, carpeting and more. Clinical signs of ringworm typically show up between 7 and 14 days after the animal comes in contact with the fungus, though some pets won't show the obvious signs, but may still be infected, VCA reports. These pets serve as carriers and pose a risk for spreading the disease.

If a pet shows signs of ringworm or is experiencing unexplained hair loss, owners should bring it to a veterinarian health clinic to be examined. If a diagnosis of ringworm is made, a vet will start the pet on treatments to avoid spreading the infection to other pets or human family members. Many times a combination of topical medication and oral medication is used to clear up the problem. Close monitoring is necessary to ensure a pet has been cleared of ringworm. It is important to follow your vets treatment recommendations and recheck schedule to prevent ringworm from becoming a chronic problem.

HOW TO REACH US

New York Veterinary Hospital

Phone: 212-717-7222

Fax: 212-717-2012

150 East 74th Street

New York,
NY10021

BUSINESS HOURS

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sun 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

We offer Medical Boarding and our Veterinary technicians are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week!

Emergency

New York Veterinary Hospital is open Monday through Friday 8AM-7PM and on Saturday 9AM-5PM and on Sunday 9AM-2PM. If your pet has a medical emergency during our hospital’s hours, please telephone us immediately at 212-717-7222. Our experienced team of veterinarians, technicians and assistants are here to help you and your pet.

Specialty Care

As part of the VCA family, we have over 83 specialty hospitals across the US and Canada which provide referral specialty care, so there may be one near you. Enter ZIP to find VCA specialty care hospitals near you.